Glennis Grace, Not AGT’s Winner but is an International Star

Whitney Houston is in a class of her own, but Glennis Grace sounds like Whitney! I never thought I’d say that about anyone, but she comes close!

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Over the weekend, I decided it was time to binge watch America’s Got Talent. The summer is hard for me to sit and watch one of the summer’s top-rated shows; too many people to see and too many places to go. Sporadically picking episodes I came across Glennis Grace, a singer I’ve personally followed for years, and who I know is not American. Is the show no longer ‘America’s’ Got Talent?

Even though I am a huge fan of hers, I was surprised to see her competing on America’s Got Talent because I thought she was already a household name. However, I’m astonished to learn that she is still a struggling artist and has had a challenging career since her debut in 1994 in the Netherlands.

Back in 1994, the Netherlands had only 3 channels to watch, and more than half of the country were subject to watch Soundmixshow where she performed Whitney covers. Shocking the audience, she sounded just like Whitney. She won the show, and from what I read, in the 6-years of the show’s existence, it was the best performance.

After winning the competition show, Glennis’ career didn’t take off, a likely story we continue to hear ever since competition shows rose to popularity. It’s no shock to discover due to poor management and the public not being receptive to her voice since Whitney was still alive, they quickly forgot about her.

In 2005 Grace represented the Netherlands in the 50th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, continuing to be visible and recognized as the international star she was born to be.

In 2006, Glennis’ luck continued to decline, her management stopped believing in her and broke their contract. She wasn’t able to bring in the coins, and her albums flopped, no one was flabbergasted by her golden voice.

Glennis ended up doing what most singers do to make money; she chose to sing background or side-by-side with mediocre singers. However, it wasn’t until 2011 that her native Dutch audience took notice and her breakthrough began. One of the changes was she decided to sing in Dutch and not English.

It was the best decision she could have made. She won ‘Best Singer Award’ 4 times in a row and received invitations to sing around the world. Because of YouTube, the international and American public started to take notice, watch, and listen.

Fast forward, Glennis Grace is an international star on the rise. Oftentimes you need the right time and the right moment for your star to start shining. Sadly we lost Whitney Houston, and the human condition is nostalgic, and creating a door for Glennis to walk through.

Sounding like Whitney Houston, Glennis brings a bit of nostalgia back. A lot of her followers including me are shocked she isn’t signed in America!

Luckily for artists across the globe, Simon Cowell keeps track of potential money-making artists. I guess he saw her on YouTube and millions reacting to her video performances and invited her to America’s Got Talent.

Cowell is a genius when it comes to timing and knows when it’s the right time for artists. He immediately knew that it was time to give her the podium she deserves after her 24-year debut.

I still have the opinion the show should solely showcase American talent, but when it comes to Glennis Grace, her journey to stardom is something I can relate with, and in her case rules are meant to be broken.

I’ve been a die-hard fan of Glennis Grace, and I am happy the rest of the world finally has the chance to hear a voice I’ve admired for years.